MRI scans are used to examine, reassure and identify for a number of conditions including chronic migraines, back pain, and torn ligaments
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and widely used type of scan that produces detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It can help identify the cause of symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, headaches or movement problems, and is an important tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions.
At Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, near Liverpool and Manchester, you can access private MRI scans in a calm, professional environment. You will be cared for by an experienced team who will guide you through each step, from your initial referral to receiving your results.
Choosing to have a private MRI scan means you can usually be seen quickly, with appointments arranged at a time that suits you. This can be especially reassuring if you have ongoing symptoms or are worried about your health and would like answers without delay.
An MRI scan is a type of medical imaging test that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike X rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionising radiation.
During an MRI scan, you lie on a motorised table that gently slides into a scanner shaped like a short tunnel. The scanner creates a magnetic field around you and sends out radio waves. These signals are picked up and processed by a computer to form clear images of your organs, tissues, joints and blood vessels.
MRI scans are particularly good at showing soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and the brain and spinal cord. This makes MRI a valuable test for many different symptoms and conditions, from joint injuries to neurological problems.
Your scan will be carried out by a radiographer – a healthcare professional trained in performing imaging tests. They will explain what will happen before the scan, answer your questions, and monitor you throughout the procedure.
For some types of MRI, a contrast dye may be used to improve the clarity of the images. This is usually injected into a vein in your arm during the scan. Your radiographer or consultant will discuss this with you in advance if it is needed, including any precautions relevant to your medical history.
MRI is a versatile test used to investigate many different parts of the body. Your consultant may refer you for an MRI scan if you have symptoms that need further investigation or if they need more detailed information to plan your treatment.
Common reasons for an MRI scan include:
To investigate persistent headaches or migraines, seizures, dizziness, changes in vision, or weakness or numbness in the face or limbs. MRI can help assess for strokes, tumours, inflammation and other neurological conditions.
If you have ongoing back or neck pain, weakness, tingling or numbness in your arms or legs, an MRI scan can show the discs, vertebrae, spinal cord and nerves in detail. It can help diagnose conditions such as a slipped disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or infections.
MRI is often used to look at knees, shoulders, hips, ankles and other joints. It can show ligament tears, tendon injuries, cartilage damage and meniscal tears in the knee.
If you have unexplained pain, swelling or reduced movement in a limb or joint, MRI can help identify strains, tears or inflammation.
MRI can be used to examine organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries or prostate. It may be recommended to investigate pain, abnormal blood tests or to monitor known conditions.
Specialised MRI techniques can show the blood vessels in the brain, neck, chest, abdomen or limbs, which can be useful in assessing narrowing or other vascular abnormalities.
MRI is often requested after an initial consultation and sometimes after other tests such as X rays or ultrasound. Your consultant will decide whether an MRI is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and examination.
The results of your scan are usually reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who will prepare a detailed report for the doctor who referred you. They will then discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean for your diagnosis and treatment.
The cost of a private MRI scan at Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens depends on several factors, including:
Before your appointment, you will be given clear information about the likely costs involved. If your consultant suggests additional imaging or follow up tests, this will be explained so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Fairfield Independent Hospital works with both self pay patients and those using private medical insurance. If you have health insurance, it is advisable to check your level of cover with your insurer before your scan, as policies vary in what they include.
If you are paying for your own treatment, the hospital team can provide guidance on available package options and payment methods. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about fees and any other practical aspects of funding your care.
Our aim is to ensure transparent pricing, so you understand what is included and are not faced with unexpected costs as you move through your diagnosis and treatment pathway.
The length of an MRI scan varies depending on the area of the body being scanned and the type of images required. As a general guide:
Before your appointment, you will receive instructions on when to arrive and how long you are likely to be in the hospital. This will include time to check in, change if necessary, and speak with the radiographer before the scan.
During the scan itself:
If you are anxious about enclosed spaces, it is important to let the team know in advance. They can talk you through what to expect and discuss ways to help you feel more comfortable. In some cases, your referring doctor may consider prescribing a mild sedative, but this would always be discussed with you beforehand.
Most people can go home soon after their scan and return to normal activities the same day. If you have had a sedative, you will need someone to accompany you home and you should not drive at first. Our team will let you know exactly how long to avoid driving for.
MRI and CT scans are both used to produce detailed images of the inside of your body, but they work in different ways and are suited to different clinical questions.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate images. It is particularly good for looking at soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments and some internal organs. CT (computed tomography) uses X rays and a computer to create cross sectional images. It is often used to examine bones, lungs, certain abdominal conditions and injuries after trauma. MRI does not use ionising radiation. CT scans do use ionising radiation, in controlled doses appropriate to the clinical need.
If you have never had an MRI scan before, it can be reassuring to know what the scanner and the images look like.
The MRI scanner at Fairfield Independent Hospital is:
In the scanning room, you will see the scanner itself, the table you lie on and some equipment used to help position you correctly for the best quality images. The radiographer operates the scanner from a separate control room with a large viewing window. They can see you at all times and talk to you throughout your scan.
When you choose to go private with Fairfield Independent Hospital, you can expect:
Fairfield Independent Hospital is located in St Helens, within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester and the wider Merseyside and Northwest region. The hospital offers modern diagnostic facilities, including MRI scanning, in a welcoming and well equipped setting.
Your care is delivered by experienced radiographers and consultant radiologists who work closely with referring specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists and physicians. This joined up approach helps ensure that your scan results are interpreted accurately and used effectively to guide your diagnosis and treatment.
From your first enquiry through to receiving your results, the team will focus on your comfort, privacy and peace of mind.
If you have been advised to have an MRI scan, or if you would like to discuss arranging a private MRI scan in St Helens, the team at Fairfield Independent Hospital is ready to help.
To book your MRI scan, contact us directly using the phone number on this page. We’ll explain the referral process, help you schedule an appointment, and answer any practical questions you may have.
If you are using private health insurance, you may be asked for your policy number and authorisation from your insurer. If you are self funding, the team can outline payment options and what is included in your package.
If you do not yet have a referral, the team can advise you on how to see an appropriate consultant who can assess your symptoms and, if needed, arrange an MRI scan as part of your care.
Accessing private imaging at Fairfield Independent Hospital allows you to be seen promptly, in a professional and supportive environment, so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence about the next stage of your treatment.
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